La violetera

This variety song, popularised by singer Raquel Meller, immediately rose to international fame after its debut in Paris.

With a rhythm reminiscent of habanera music and lyrics by Eduardo Montesinos, its composer, José Padilla, wrote it during his stay in Paris as the director of the orchestra of the casino there. However, its debut was in Barcelona, performed by variety singer Carmen Flores.
Soon after, it was Raquel Meller that was performing it, and she popularised it for the larger audience, not only in Spain, but also in France (first) and globally. Among the most memorable versions and adaptations is that of filmmaker Charles Chaplin, who used it to set his film “City Lights” (1931).
The variety singer Sara Montiel’s version is also very memorable, especially since she used it in the film of the same name (1958).